160 CCTV cameras operational at New Delhi railway station

NEW DELHI: New Delhi Railway Station, which sees nearly five lakh passengers every day, has become the first station in the country to have more than 100 close circuit TV (CCTV) cameras operational under railways' plan for strengthening security.

A total 160 CCTV cameras have been installed at New Delhi station under the Integrated Security System and these have become operational now, said Anurag Sachan, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Delhi Division here.

These CCTV cameras - 98 fixed and 62 rotating ones - are placed at vital points and meant to send alerts on unattended baggage and the surveillance system can be monitored through the control room.

There will be a total of 531 cameras to be installed in 10 stations of Delhi Division including New Delhi, Nizamuddin, Old Delhi and Anand Vihar at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore. "The installation at New Delhi is complete now and it will be completed in other stations soon," the DRM said.

Currently New Delhi station handles about five lakh passengers and 275 trains a day.

Railways have decided to implement Integrated Security System at 202 stations across the country.

Sachan said there is a constant endeavour to improve passenger amenities and safety measures at rail premises.

Acknowledging the shortage of water, the DRM said, "We reviewed the situation. The problem is big as there is a requirement of 1.25 crore litres of water per day in New Delhi station alone. Steps are being taken to address the problem."

As far as drinking water is concerned, he said "we have allowed the sale of branded water at stations besides the Railneer".

Delhi Division has also undertaken measures to save energy. "The energy conservation system has been implemented at a few stations and as per the system, 70 per cent lights at platforms will be off after the departure of trains and with approaching trains the lights will be on automatically," Sachan said.